In this deeply meaningful episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reconnects with her very first EDS patient, Lauren Vasko. Lauren shares her remarkable story of resilience, from navigating life in a wheelchair, managing Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI), and battling POTS, to regaining her independence and teaching art in Kenya. She reflects on her challenges with misdiagnoses, traumatic medical experiences, and the importance of self-advocacy. Lauren reveals the tools, treatments, and mindset shifts that helped her heal, including physical therapy, medications, supplements, and setting boundaries. Her message of hope reminds us that even the hardest journeys can lead to unexpected triumphs.

NOTE: Due to some technical limitations, Lauren's video will showcase lines over her frame, but it should not impact her audio or any of her amazing comments!

Takeaways:

Believe Healing Is Possible: Lauren emphasizes the importance of overcoming a “victim mentality” and truly believing in your ability to improve, no matter how severe your condition feels.

Small Wins Add Up: Success doesn’t come all at once. Lauren highlights how small changes—5% improvements—eventually added up to transformative progress in her life.

Advocate for Yourself: Lauren’s journey shows the importance of questioning medical advice, finding the right providers, and being actively involved in your care.

Physical Therapy and Traction Were Game-Changers: Specialized physical therapy, dry needling, and cervical traction played key roles in helping Lauren avoid invasive surgery for CCI (Cranial-Cervical Instability).

Set Boundaries for Health and Identity: Lauren shares the importance of not letting your diagnosis define you, setting boundaries with support communities, and finding joy in new passions like art and teaching.

Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.

Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.

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